Lord Darzi of Denham: We are not aware of any risk to overall health associated with the use of fluoridated water to reconstitute infant formula milk. Should they wish, parents can obtain data on the fluoride content of their local water supply from their local water service providers. A list of these and contact numbers can be found on the National Fluoride Information Centre (NFIC) website at www.fluorideinformation.com/default1.aspx.
	If parents living in fluoridated areas are concerned about reconstituting infant formula milk with optimally fluoridated water they could use bottled water with low fluoride content for making up the milk. Alternatively, ready-made milk formula is available from all supermarkets.
	We have established the National Fluoride Information Centre at the University of Manchester to provide independent and unbiased objective information on all aspects of fluoride and fluoridation, which it makes available through its website.
	Evidence to date shows that dental fluorosis remains the only effect which the fluoridation of water has besides protecting against tooth decay. We are supporting the research into the assessment of fluorosis using intra-oral cameras. If, as we expect it shows that the measurement of dental fluorosis can be standardised, we will undertake a further study of its prevalence and aesthetic impact. We would review the one part per million concentration used in fluoridation schemes if the study showed there was a significant level of aesthetically unacceptable fluorosis.

Lord Darzi of Denham: The National Fluoride Information Centre (NFIC) at the University of Manchester is funded by the department and provides independent, unbiased and evidence-based scientific information to strategic health authorities and primary care trusts on research studies carried out into the effects of adding fluoride to water. The information is also available through the NFIC website at www.fluorideinformation.com/default1.aspx.

Lord Darzi of Denham: The Government set up the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as a special health authority in 1999. It is an independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill health.
	In December 2006, NICE published a clinical guideline on obesity: it made a number of recommendations on the prevention, identification, assessment and management of overweight and obesity in adults, This includes recommendations on obesity surgery, drugs and other interventions. Information on this guidance is available on NICE website at www.nice.org.uk/guidance/index.jsp?action=byID&o=11000.